Newly released court documents have laid out disturbing allegations against D4vd, offering a detailed account of events prosecutors say led to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The filing, presented during a recent hearing in Los Angeles, outlines claims of a violent encounter, followed by what authorities describe as an extensive effort to conceal the crime. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to multiple serious charges.
Authorities Outline Sequence of Events Before Teen’s Death
According to the nine-page preliminary trial brief filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the events that led to the teenager’s death began after tensions escalated between the two. Prosecutors allege that after their relationship ended in April 2025, Celeste Rivas Hernandez grew upset over Burke’s involvement with other women.
The filing states that she “threatened to disclose damaging information about her relationship with defendant to end his career and destroy his life.”
At the time, Burke was reportedly preparing to release his debut album, with prosecutors claiming he feared the potential fallout. On April 23, 2025, he allegedly arranged for an Uber to bring the teenager to his Hollywood Hills rental home.
“Knowing he has to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out,” the brief said.
“At no time did he call law enforcement… to take her to the emergency room to attempt to save her life.”
Instead, prosecutors claim he attempted to create the appearance that she was still alive by sending her a message asking about her whereabouts. The following day, he reportedly traveled to Santa Barbara, where authorities believe he began disposing of evidence.
D4vd Accused of Attempting to Destroy Evidence
Court filings describe what prosecutors call a calculated effort to cover up the alleged crime. In the weeks following the killing, Burke is accused of purchasing various items, including a shovel, chainsaws, and a body bag, along with heavy-duty bags and an inflatable pool.
“After placing her body in the blue inflatable pool to prevent her blood from spilling onto his garage floor, defendant used a chainsaw and perhaps other tools to cut off her limbs,” prosecutors wrote.
“Small blue plastic fragments were found in the victim’s remains, which were collected by the LAPD’s Forensic Science Division, Trace Analysis Unit.”
Authorities say those fragments were later matched to the inflatable pool allegedly purchased by Burke. Prosecutors also claim he “took horrifying measures to destroy and discard the victim’s body.”
The filing further alleges that “he amputated her left ring and pinky fingers because her ring finger contained a tattoo of his name.” Those fingers have not been recovered.
Investigators believe Burke stored the remains in bags and placed them in the front trunk of his Tesla, where the body was eventually discovered months later on September 8, according to Daily Mail. During that time, prosecutors say he misled friends and associates who noticed a strong odor at his residence.
Additional allegations detail purchases made under the name “Victoria Mendez,” including what prosecutors described as a “burn cage” ordered “as part of his plan to incinerate evidence.”
How Investigators Say the Relationship Developed
The court filing also sheds light on the alleged relationship between Burke and the victim. Prosecutors claim the two first met in January 2021, when she was 11 years old. They allege the relationship became sexual in 2023, when she was 13.
“Throughout 2024, the victim spent a significant amount of time with defendant, including summer weekends at his home in the Hollywood Hills and traveling with him to Las Vegas, London, and Texas to meet his family.”
“Text exchanges between the victim and defendant contain references to sex, pregnancy, abortion and use of the Plan B emergency contraceptive.”
Burke has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous lewd acts with a minor under 14, and mutilation of human remains. The charges carry the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty.
During a recent hearing, defense attorney Blair Berk challenged the release of the preliminary brief, stating: “The prosecution filed an unusual brief that appears to be a very one-sided view of what is anticipated as evidence in this case.”
She added: “We have a very real concern about the reasonable possibility of the jury pool at a future trial to be tainted.”
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo denied the request, responding: “Here in LA County, the jury pool is extremely large and LA has a plethora of high-profile cases. This case is not unique in that prospect.”
Burke remains in custody and is expected to appear in court again on May 12, with a preliminary hearing scheduled later in the month.
